Chivas USA return from a week-long road trip with a three-game
unbeaten streak and a newfound swagger in their play. Houston,
meanwhile, has lost three of their last five matches, including a 1-0
loss at home on Wednesday to FC Dallas. Saturday’s game could be the
turning point for the balance of power in the Western Conference; the
Red-and-White have a real chance to announce themselves to the rest of
the league with a win against their old nemesis from Texas.

Last Meeting

These perennial rivals met just over a month ago in Houston, with
the Dynamo earning a solid 3-0 victory over a tepid Red-and-White squad
on April 17th. Goals from Geoff Cameron, Lovel Palmer, and Dominic Oduro sealed the deal for Houston, who has not lost to the Goats in their last 10 appearances.

Remember When?

Chivas USA finished their preseason preparations last season with a
scrimmage against Houston at The Home Depot Center on March 13th. With
just minutes left to go in the game, Ricardo Clark committed a hard
foul on Paulo Nagamura, which cleared both benches. Clark was given his
marching orders and the referees took five minutes sorting out what
nearly turned into a brawl Stadium Field. Suffice to say, these teams
don’t like each other.

Heroes & Villains

Houston goalkeeper Pat Onstad vs. Chivas USA goalkeeper Zach Thornton:
Onstad and Thornton are two of Major League Soccer’s most legendary
netminders. Both have twice been named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, and
both have been crowned MLS Cup Champion in their career. At 42 and 37
respectively, they’re heading toward the twilight of their careers, but
both have shown class in recent years and will likely continue fighting
for the mantle of the West’s best goalkeeper in seasons to come.

Houston forward Dominic Oduro vs. Chivas USA defenders Michael Umana
and Darío Delgado: Oduro will be a handful for the Chivas USA central
defenders, who will struggle to keep up with his speed. But what Umaña
and Delgado may lack in pace, they make up for with on-field chemistry.
The pair have been teammates on the Costa Rican National Team and enjoy
good communication and positioning on the backline.

Stat that makes you go “Hm”

Chivas USA’s record against Houston has been abysmal from the
get-go, but the Red-and-White have at least held their own at The Home
Depot Center. The Goats maintain a 2-1-3 record in Los Angeles.

He Said It

“Every time we play Houston, we know what to expect. It’s always going to be a rough game.” - Chivas USA defender Jonathan Bornstein